ask the expert

Why Do My Colonies Keep Swarming?

I have three hives started last year and all three swarmed in the last week. Now, they are swarming again — the same colonies. Why do the same colonies keep swarming every few days?

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Can I Do a Late-Summer Split?

A split in late-summer is possible, although tricky. You need good-sized populations and lots of food stores and you may need to buy a queen.

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Why Are There So Many Bee Droppings on the Outside of my Hives?

I am an urban beekeeper in Cleveland. We over-wintered our bees in two deeps. The bees largely remained in the top box all winter. We have had a cold wet, snowy spring. I have been noticing bee poop pretty much all over the outside of the hive.

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How Do I Prepare a Dead Hive for New Bees?
April 17, 2020 · · Ask the Expert

Unless the colony died because of a nasty disease like American Foulbrood, you can definitely re-use the equipment. AFB would present as a horrible smelling hive with rotting, brown, slimy brood. You don’t want to re-use equipment if the colony had AFB because it will pass on the new bees.

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How Do I Harvest Royal Jelly?
March 24, 2020 · · Ask the Expert

To harvest royal jelly in any quantifiable amount, you’ll need several strong, healthy hives and a working knowledge of queen grafting.

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